Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Grayling, MI

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring

As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.

While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.

Key dates for your spring planting:

  • By July 16, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around June 21, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before June 5, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them

If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.

In the Spring
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Last 16° Apr 25 Apr 21 Apr 18 Apr 15 Apr 13 Apr 11 Apr 8 Apr 5 Apr 1
Last 20° May 3 Apr 29 Apr 26 Apr 24 Apr 22 Apr 20 Apr 17 Apr 14 Apr 11
Last 24° May 22 May 17 May 13 May 10 May 7 May 4 Apr 30 Apr 26 Apr 21
Last 28° Jun 2 May 27 May 23 May 20 May 17 May 14 May 10 May 7 May 1
Last 32° Jun 20 Jun 14 Jun 10 Jun 7 Jun 4 Jun 1 May 28 May 24 May 19
Last 36° Jul 16 Jul 7 Jul 1 Jun 26 Jun 21 Jun 16 Jun 11 Jun 5 May 28

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Grayling, MI, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.

The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:

1
Early warning: Around August 29, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By September 10, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By September 23, there's an 80% chance of seeing 32°F — most tender plants will be damaged without protection
4
Another perspective: You have only a 1 in 5 chance of making it past September 23 without a freezing night

These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.

In the Fall
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
First 16° Oct 21 Oct 29 Nov 3 Nov 7 Nov 11 Nov 15 Nov 20 Nov 25 Dec 2
First 20° Oct 14 Oct 19 Oct 23 Oct 26 Oct 28 Oct 31 Nov 3 Nov 7 Nov 12
First 24° Sep 27 Oct 3 Oct 8 Oct 11 Oct 15 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 26 Nov 1
First 28° Sep 9 Sep 14 Sep 19 Sep 22 Sep 25 Sep 29 Oct 2 Oct 6 Oct 12
First 32° Aug 22 Aug 29 Sep 2 Sep 7 Sep 10 Sep 14 Sep 18 Sep 23 Sep 29
First 36° Aug 15 Aug 20 Aug 25 Aug 28 Aug 31 Sep 4 Sep 7 Sep 12 Sep 17

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.